Cable-operated slide-out actuator

ABSTRACT

A cable-operated mechanism for actuating a slide-out room includes a column, an endless chain loop disposed with the column, first and second drive blocks engaged with the chain loop, and first through fourth cables attached at first ends thereof to the drive blocks. The cables are attached at second ends thereof to inboard and outboard ends of a slide out room. Operation of the chain loop in a first direction tensions the cables attached to the inboard end of the room and slackens the cables attached to the outboard end. Operation of the chain loop in a second direction has the opposite effect.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/246,880, filed on Oct. 27, 2015, and incorporates herein byreference the disclosure thereof in its entirety.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to an actuator for a slide-outcompartment configured to slide through an opening in a wall ofstructure, for example, a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle (RV).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a slide-out compartment installed in anopening in a wall of a structure according to the present disclosure,with the slide-out compartment in an extended position;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a slide-out compartment installed in anopening in a wall of a structure according to the present disclosure,with the slide-out compartment in an extended position and with the wallnot shown for clarity;

FIG. 2A is an end view of a column and drive blocks of an actuatoraccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is an end view of a column, drive blocks, and a cover of anactuator according to the present disclosure attached to a wall;

FIG. 2C is another end view of a column, drive blocks, and a cover of anactuator according to the present disclosure attached to a wall;

FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded inner perspective view of an actuatoraccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partially-exploded outer perspective view of an actuatoraccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an actuator according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partially-exploded front elevation view of an actuatoraccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of internals of an actuator according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective detail view of a portion of an actuatoraccording to the present disclosure showing a column enclosing certainactuator components, drive cables extending from the housing throughapertures in sides thereof, and brackets for connecting drive cables toinner and outer portions of a slide-out room;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a drive block, a drive chain, andcables according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A-9C are front, side, and top views, respectively, of analternative drive block according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an exploded front elevation view of a drive block, a drivechain, and cables according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a side-by-side view of first and second actuators accordingto the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Terms of orientation, for example, upper, lower, right, left, inboard,outboard, and the like, as may be used herein should be construed asreferring to relative orientation, and not absolute orientation, unlesscontext dictates otherwise.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a sidewall 10 of a structure, for example, asidewall of an RV, and a slide-out compartment 12, for example, aslide-out room, that is extendable and retractable through an opening inthe side wall of the structure. The slide-out room 12 includes an outerwall 14, a floor 16, a ceiling 18, and first and second sidewalls 20,22. FIG. 1A shows the slide-out room 12 in a first (or extended)position with respect to the sidewall 10 of the RV, wherein the outerwall 14 of the slide-out room is spaced from the sidewall 10 of the RV,and wherein the interior space defined by the floor 16, ceiling 18, andwalls 14, 20, 22 of the slide-out room is generally outboard of thesidewall 10 of the RV. FIG. 1B shows the slide-out room in the extendedposition with the sidewall 10 removed for clarity. The slide-out room 12may be moved to a second (or retracted) position wherein the outer wall14 of the slide-out room generally abuts the sidewall 10 of the RV, andwherein the interior space defined by the slide-out room 12 is generallyinboard of the sidewall 10 of the RV.

FIGS. 1A and 1B also show a first actuator 24 connected between thesidewall of the RV and the first sidewall of the slide-out room, and asecond actuator 26 similarly connected between the sidewall of the RVand the second sidewall of the slide-out room. More specifically, FIGS.1A and 1B show respective columns, as will be discussed further below,of the first and second actuators 24, 26 attached to the wall 10 of theRV adjacent left and right sides of the opening therein, andcorresponding cables attached to inner and outer ends of the slide-outroom by corresponding brackets 100, 102, 104, 106. The first and secondactuators 24, 26 may be identical to or mirror images of each other. Assuch, only the first actuator 24 will be described in detail herein.

As best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first actuator 24 includes anelongated, generally U-shaped channel or column 28 configured forattachment to the sidewall of the RV. More specifically, the column 28includes a generally planar web 30 and first and second parallel flanges32, 34 extending in the same direction from opposite edges of the web.The web 30 and first and second flanges 32, 34 cooperate to define aninterior region 35 of the column 28.

The web 30 may define one or more apertures 36 that may be configured toreceive mechanical fasteners (not shown) that might be used to securebrackets or other components of the first actuator 24 to the web 30, aswill be discussed further below.

The first flange 32 may include first and second elongated ribs 38A, 38Bextending perpendicularly there from toward the second flange 34, intothe interior region 35 of the column 28. The second flange 34 mayinclude third and fourth elongated ribs 38C, 38D extendingperpendicularly there from toward the first flange 32, into the interiorregion 35 of the column 28. The web 30, the first rib 38A, and the thirdrib 38C cooperate to define a first track T1 configured to slidinglyreceive a first drive block 68, as will be discussed further below. Thefirst rib 38A, the second rib 38B, the third rib 38C, and the fourth rib38D cooperate to define a second track T2 configured to slidinglyreceive a second drive block 72, as will be discussed further below. Thefirst flange 32 may include an end portion 32E. A locating rib 38E mayextend from the first flange 32 generally perpendicular there fromtoward the second flange 34. The end portion 32E of the first flange 32and the locating rib 38E cooperate to define a notch configured toreceive a corner of the wall 10 in generally abutting engagement, aswill be discussed further below. The end portion 32E of the first flange32 may define one or more apertures 33 extending there through andconfigured to receive fasteners (not shown) that may be used to securethe first flange 32 to the wall 10.

The first flange 32 may include one or more elongated hook-shapedsections 37 extending from an outer surface thereof, that is, a surfaceopposite the interior region 35 of the column 28. The hook-shapedsections 37 cooperate with the first flange 32 to define tab-receivingslots 39. The hook-shaped sections 37 and/or the tab-receiving slots 39may be configured to receive mating mounting tabs of a correspondingseal (not shown) or other structure.

The second flange 34 may include an elongated hook-shaped section 41extending outwardly from the second flange. The hook-shaped section 41and the second flange 34 cooperate to define a tab-receiving slot 43.The hook-shaped sections 37 and/or the tab-receiving slot 43 may beconfigured to receive a mating tab of a corresponding elongated cover45.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the cover 45 includes a web 47, a firstflange 49 extending from a first side of the web proximate a first edgethereof, and a second flange 51 extending from a second side of the webopposite the first side of the web, proximate a second edge thereof.Each of the first flange 49 and the second flange 51 extends generallyperpendicularly from the web 47. As such, the first second flanges 49,51 are spaced apart, generally parallel to each other, and extend inopposite directions from the web 47.

An elongated hook-shaped section 53 extends from the free end of thesecond flange 51. The hook-shaped section 53 and the second flange 51cooperate to define a slot 55 having an opening facing the web 47. Theslot 55 is configured to receive the free end of the hook-shaped section41 of the second flange 34 of the column 28. Similarly, the slot 43 ofthe column 28 is configured to receive the free end of the hook-shapedmember 53 of the cover 45.

As best shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the hook-shaped section 53 and slot 55of the cover 45 may be interlocked with the hook-shaped section 41 andslot 43 of the column 28, and the first flange 49 of the cover may beplaced in or near abutment with the wall 10. The first flange 49 of thecover may define one or more apertures (not shown) configured to receivefasteners (not shown) that may be used to secure the cover to the wall10.

The first and second flanges 32, 34 of the column 28 may define one ormore apertures 40 for receiving cables there through, as will bediscussed further below. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one or moreportions 42 of either or both of the first and second flanges 32, 34 maybe cut away to provide access to the interior region 35 of the column 28there through. Such access may facilitate removal and/or installation ofa motor and/or other components while the column 28 is attached to thewall 10, as will be discussed further below.

The column 28 may be attached to the wall 10 by butting the end portion32E of the column 28 against the outer surface of the wall 10 adjacentthe opening there through and butting the locating rib 38E against theedge of the wall 10 defining the opening, so that the wall is engagedwith the notch defined by the end portion 32E and the locating rib 38E.The column may be fastened to the wall 10 using fasteners (not shown)extending through the end portion 32E into the wall 10. The cover 45 maybe interlocked with the column 28 as discussed above, and the cover maybe fastened to the wall 10 using fasteners extending through the firstflange 49 of the cover and into the wall.

As best shown in FIGS. 3-6 and 11, first and second cable guides 44, 46may be disposed in the interior region 35 of the column 28 and attachedto the column near an upper end thereof. Each of the first and secondcable guides 44, 46 could be embodied as a discrete pulley.Alternatively, the first and second cable guides 44, 46 could beembodied as a single pulley having two sheaves. As a furtheralternative, the first and second cable guides 44, 46 could be embodiedas a single roller. In an embodiment, the first and second cable guides44, 46 could be embodied as curved, static guides. Such guides could bemade of or lined with a lubricious material to facilitate sliding ofcables therein, as will become apparent from the discussion below. Thefirst and second cable guides 44, 46 could be embodied in other forms,as well. The first and second cable guides 44, 46 are configured toredirect corresponding cables from a direction generally parallel to thelength of the column 28 to a direction generally perpendicular to thefirst and second flanges 32, 34 thereof, as will be discussed furtherbelow.

Third and fourth cable guides 48, 50 may be disposed in the interiorregion 35 of the column 28 and attached to the column near a lower endthereof. The third and fourth cable guides 48, 50 can take any of theforms described for the first and second cable guides 44, 46 and may besimilarly configured.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the first and second cable guides 44, 46 in anexploded view, offset from their corresponding cables, as will bediscussed further below. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the third and fourth cableguides 48, 50 closely adjacent to or abutting each other and engagedwith their corresponding cables, as will be discussed further below. Ina typical embodiment, the first and second cable guides 44, 46 wouldsimilarly be closely adjacent to or abutting each other and engaged withtheir corresponding cables.

A bi-directional motor 52 may be attached to the column 28 near theupper end thereof. The motor 52 is shown as being inboard of the firstand second cable guides 44, 46. That is, the first and second cableguides 44, 46 are shown as being located between the upper end of thecolumn 28 and the motor 52. In an embodiment, the motor 52 could beoutboard of the first and second cable guides 44, 46. That is, the motor52 could be located between the upper end of the column and the firstand second cable guides 44, 46. Alternatively, the motor 52 could besimilarly located near the lower end of the column 28, inboard oroutboard of the third and fourth cable guides 48, 50. In an embodiment,the motor 52 could be disposed in a central region of the column 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 52 has an output shaft (notshown) extending parallel to the column 28. The output shaft of themotor 52 is engaged with and drives a right angle drive mechanism 54having a drive shaft 56 perpendicular to the output shaft of the motor52. A first toothed sprocket 58 (which may be referred to herein as thedrive sprocket) is attached to the drive shaft 56 for rotationtherewith. The drive shaft 56 is generally perpendicular to the firstand second flanges 32, 34 of the column 28. As such, the first sprocket58 is generally parallel to the first and second flanges 32, 34. In anembodiment, the motor 52 could be configured with its output shaftgenerally perpendicular to the first and second flanges 32, 34 of thecolumn 28. In such an embodiment, the right angle drive mechanism 54could be omitted. In such an embodiment, the output shaft of the motor52 could serve as the drive shaft 56.

A second toothed sprocket 60 (which may be referred to herein as theidler sprocket) is attached to an idler sprocket shaft 62. The idlersprocket shaft 62, in turn, is attached to the column 28 near the lowerend thereof (or near the upper thereof if the motor is attached near thelower end thereof). The idler sprocket shaft 62 is generally parallel tothe drive shaft 56. As such, the idler sprocket 60 is generally parallelto the drive sprocket 58. The idler sprocket 60 and motor sprocket 58may be, but need not be, coplanar.

A first length of drive chain 64 having a first end, a second end, andan intermediate portion has its intermediate portion engaged with thedrive sprocket 58. A second length of chain 66 having a first end, asecond end, and an intermediate portion has its intermediate portionengaged with the idler sprocket 60.

The first end of the first length of drive chain 64 is attached to afirst drive block 68 by a first turnbuckle 70. The second end of thefirst length of drive chain 64 is attached to a second drive block 72 bya second turnbuckle 74. The first end of the second length of drivechain 66 is attached to the second drive block 72 by a third turnbuckle76. The second end of the second length of drive chain 66 is attached tothe first drive block 68 by a fourth turnbuckle 78. As such, the firstlength of drive chain 64, the first drive block 68, the second length ofdrive chain 66, the second drive block 70 and the turnbuckles 70, 74,76, 78 cooperate to form an endless drive chain or drive loop.

The first and second drive blocks 68, 72 may be identical to or mirrorimages of each other. As such, the structure of only the first driveblock 68 will be discussed in detail herein.

The first drive block 68 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 as including firstand second members 68-1 and 68-2, each having a generally planar bodyportion having first and second opposing ends and first and secondopposing sides. The body portion defines a tool-receiving aperture, aswill be discussed further below. A first tab or cable receiver A has afirst portion that extends laterally from the first side proximate thefirst end. A second tab or cable receiver B has a first portion thatextends laterally from the first side proximate the second end. A thirdtab or cable receiver C has a first portion that extends laterally fromthe second side proximate the first end. A fourth tab or cable receiverD has a first portion that extends laterally from the second sideproximate the second end. A fifth tab or chain end receiver E has afirst portion that extends laterally from the first side proximate thefirst tab. A sixth tab or chain end receiver has a first portion thatextends laterally from the second side proximate the third tab. Each ofthe first through sixth tabs has a second portion extending in the samedirection substantially perpendicular to the corresponding firstportion. The second portion of each of the first through sixth tabsdefines an aperture. The first and second members 68-1, 68-2 of thefirst drive block 68 may be mirror images of each other. In use, thesecond portions of the first through sixth tabs of the first and secondmembers 68-1, 68-2 are oriented facing each other, with the aperturesdefined by corresponding ones thereof coaxially aligned.

The outer side portions 68S of the first and second drive blocks 68, 72may be configured for sliding engagement in the first and second tracksT1, T2 defined by the column 28 without binding therein.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, each of the first and seconddrive blocks 68, 72 could instead be embodied as unitary structuredefining apertures corresponding to the first through fourth cablereceivers A, B, C, D and the first and second chain end receivers E, F.In such an embodiment, the respective drive blocks 68, 72 could be madeof metal or a polymeric material, for example, DELRIN® plastic. Theembodiments shown in FIGS. 9A-9C are generally rectangular but couldhave rounded corners or rounded side portions similar to side portions68S to facilitate sliding within the first track T1 without bindingtherein.

The turnbuckles 70, 74, 76, 78 are configured to attach the first andsecond lengths of drive chain 64, 66 to the first and second driveblocks 68, 72 and to adjust the length of the endless loop defined bythese components. The turnbuckles 70, 74, 76, 78 may be identical toeach other. As such, only the first turnbuckle 70 will be described indetail herein.

As shown, the first turnbuckle 70 includes a chain link receiver 80 inthe form of a U-shaped channel having a web and first and secondgenerally parallel and spaced apart flanges extending in a firstdirection from the web. Each of the first and second flanges defines apin-receiving aperture 82. The first and second flanges are configuredto receive a link of the first drive chain 64 there between. With thelink so received, a fastener 83 may be inserted through the apertures 82and between the side plates and adjacent rollers of a link of the firstlength of drive chain 64 to attach the link to the chain link receiver80. Alternatively, a pin (not shown) may be inserted through theapertures 82 and a roller in a link, for example, the end link of thefirst drive chain.

The web of the chain link receiver 80 defines an aperture 84 configuredto receive in rotating but not threaded engagement an adjuster 86 in theform of a bolt, machine screw, or other threaded member 86-1 having ahead and a shank, and a mating nut 86-2. As best shown in FIG. 10, theadjuster 86 may be embodied as a carriage bolt having its shank receivedthrough the aperture 84 in the web of the chain link receiver 80 and itshead received between the first and second flanges of the chain linkreceiver 80 in substantially non-rotating engagement. The threaded endof the carriage bolt is best shown in FIG. 9 as being inserted throughthe respective apertures of the fifth tabs of the first and secondmembers 68-1, 68-2 of the first drive member 68. The nut of the adjuster86 is threadedly attached to the threaded portion of the shank of thecarriage bolt.

The first drive block 68 may be connected to the second length of drivechain 66 via the second turnbuckle 74 in a similar manner. Also, thesecond drive block 72 may be connected to the first and second lengthsof drive chain 64, 66 via the third and fourth turnbuckles 76, 78 in asimilar manner. With the first and second lengths of drive chain 64, 66assembled to the first and second drive blocks 68, 72 in this manner,the adjusters 86 of the first through fourth turnbuckles 70, 74, 76, 78may be used to lengthen and shorten the foregoing endless drive chain ordrive loop by turning the carriage bolt thereof relative to the nutthereof.

In an embodiment, the foregoing length adjustment feature could beeliminated and each chain link receiver could be fixedly attached to therespective drive block.

The first drive block 68 also is configured to be attached to respectivefirst ends of first and third cables 88, 92. For example, a threadedfitting 96 may be crimped onto or otherwise secured to a first end ofthe first cable 88. The threaded fitting 96 may be inserted through therespective apertures of the second portions of the first and third tabsof the first and second members 68-1, 68-2 of the first drive member 68.A corresponding nut 96A may be fitted to the threaded fitting 96 topreclude the free end of the threaded fitting from being withdrawnthrough the foregoing apertures of the first drive block, therebysecuring the first cable 88 to the first drive block. The nut may berotated with respect to the threaded fitting 96 to effectively adjustthe length of the first cable 88. In other embodiments, other means maybe used to secure the first cable end to the first drive block. A spring98, for example, a helical compression spring, may be installed betweenthe nut and the first drive block to facilitate cable length adjustmentand/or to provide compliance when the actuator is operated, as willbecome evident from the discussion below.

Similarly, the third cable 92 may be connected to the first drive block68 via corresponding apertures in the second portions of the third andfourth tabs of the first and second members 68-1, 68-1 of the firstdrive block 68 in a similar manner. Also, the second cable 90 may beconnected to the second drive block 72 via corresponding apertures inanalogous second portions of analogous third and fourth tabs of thefirst and second members of the second drive block 72. Further, thefourth cable 94 may be connected to the second drive block 72 viacorresponding apertures in analogous second portions of analogous firstand second tabs of the second members of the second drive block 72.

The first cable 88 extends from its point of attachment to the firstdrive block 68, around the first cable guide 44, and through an aperture40 in the side of the column 28 to a first room attachment bracket 100.As such, a portion of the first cable 88 runs vertically through anupper portion of the inboard side of the column 28 and exits the columnhorizontally through the aperture 40. The first room attachment bracket100 is attached to an upper, outboard end of the slide-out room 12.

The first room attachment bracket 100 is configured as a planar bracketdefine one or more apertures 100A for receiving screws or othermechanical fasteners (not shown) that may be used to attach the firstroom attachment bracket 100 to the slide-out room 12. The firstattachment bracket further defines a slot 100B having an enlargedopening 100C at an end thereof. A button head or the like may beprovided at the free end of the first cable 88 to facilitate attachmentof the first cable to the first cable attachment bracket 100 within theslot 100B through the opening 100C.

The second cable 90 extends from its point of attachment to the seconddrive block 72, around the second cable guide 46, and through anotheraperture 40 in the side of the column 28 to a second room attachmentbracket 102. As such, a portion of the second cable 90 runs verticallythrough an upper portion of the outboard side of the column 28 and exitsthe column horizontally through the corresponding aperture 40. Thesecond room attachment bracket 102 is attached to an upper, inboard endof the slide-out room 12.

The second room attachment bracket 102 is configured as a right-angledbracket having a first leg 102A attachable to a portion of a sidewall ofthe slide out room 12 and a second leg 102B perpendicular to the firstleg. The first leg 100A may define one or more apertures 102C forreceiving screws or other mechanical fasteners (not shown) that may beused to attach the first room attachment bracket 100 to the slide-outroom 12. The second leg 100B defines a slot 100D having an enlargedopening 100E at an end thereof. A button head or the like may beprovided at the free end of the second cable 90 to facilitate attachmentof the first cable to the second cable attachment bracket 102 within theslot 100D through the opening 100E.

In other embodiments, the second room attachment bracket 102 may beconfigured in a manner the same as or similar to the first roomattachment bracket 100, and vice versa, or the brackets could beconfigured in other manners.

The third cable 92 extends from its point of attachment to the firstdrive block 68, around the third cable guide 48, and through yet anotheraperture 40 in the side of the column 28 to a third room attachmentbracket 104. As such, a portion of the third cable 92 runs verticallythrough a lower portion of the outboard side of the column 28 and exitsthe column horizontally through the corresponding aperture 40. The thirdroom attachment bracket 104 is attached to a lower, inboard end of theslide-out room 12. The third room attachment bracket 104 may beconfigured in a manner the same as or similar to the first or secondroom attachment bracket 100, 102.

The fourth cable 94 extends from its point of attachment to the seconddrive block 70, around the fourth cable guide 50, and through stillanother aperture 40 in the side of the column 28 to a fourth roomattachment bracket 106. As such, a portion of the fourth cable 94 runsvertically through a lower portion of the inboard side of the column 28and exits the column horizontally through the corresponding aperture 40.The fourth room attachment bracket 106 is attached to a lower, outboardend of the slide-out room 12. The fourth room attachment bracket 106 maybe configured in a manner the same as or similar to the first or secondroom attachment bracket 100, 102.

In operation, the motor 52 may be operated in a first direction, causingthe drive sprocket 58 to rotate in a corresponding first direction. Therotation of the drive sprocket 58 in the first direction causes theendless loop formed by the first and second lengths of drive chain 64,66 and the first and second drive blocks 68, 72 to revolve in the firstdirection. As such, the first drive block 68 moves in a first linear,for example, downward, direction and the second drive block 72 moves ina second linear, for example, upward direction.

Because the first and third cables 88, 92 are attached to the firstdrive block 68, the first ends thereof also move in the first linear,for example, downward direction. Because the second and fourth cables90, 94 are attached to the second drive block 72, the first ends thereofalso move in the second linear, for example, upward direction.Consequently, the first and fourth cables 88, 94 are tensioned to pullthe slide-out room 12 from the outboard position to the inboard positionand the second and third cables 90, 92 are slackened or relaxed.Operating the motor 52 in the opposite direction results in the oppositeeffect. The configuration of the first and second drive blocks 68, 72within the corresponding tracks T1, T2 precludes the first and seconddrive blocks from colliding with other during such operation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An actuator for operating a slide-outcompartment slidably installed in an opening in a wall of a structure,the slide out compartment having an inboard end and an outboard end,each of said inboard end and outboard end having an upper portion and alower portion, the actuator comprising: an elongated U-shaped column; abi-directional drive motor attached to the column, the motor including aselectively rotatable motor shaft extending therefrom; a first toothedsprocket attached to said motor shaft; a second toothed sprocket spacedfrom said first toothed sprocket and rotatably attached to said column;a first drive block; a second drive block; a first chain having a firstend attached to said first drive block, a second end attached to saidsecond drive block, and an intermediate portion between said first endand said second end, said intermediate portion engaged with said firstsprocket; a second chain having a first end attached to said secondguide block, a second end attached to said first drive block, and anintermediate portion between said first end and said second end, saidintermediate portion engaged with said second sprocket, said firstchain, said first drive block, said second chain, and said second driveblock forming an endless drive loop; a first cable guide; a second cableguide; a third cable guide; a fourth cable guide; a first cable having afirst end attached to said first drive block and a second end attachableto said outboard end of said compartment, said first cable engagablewith said first cable guide; a second cable having a first end attachedto said second drive block and a second end attachable to said inboardend of said compartment, said second cable engagable with said secondcable guide; a third cable having a first end attached to said firstdrive block and a second end attachable to said inboard end of saidcompartment, said third cable engagable with said third cable guide; anda fourth cable having a first end attached to said second drive blockand a second end attachable to said outboard end of said compartment,said fourth cable engagable with said fourth cable guide.
 2. Theactuator of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first through fourthcable guides comprises a pulley.
 3. The actuator of claim 1 wherein saidfirst and second cable guides comprise a first pulley, said first pulleyhaving a first sheave receiving said first cable and a second sheavereceiving said second cable.
 4. The actuator of claim 3 wherein saidthird and fourth cable guides comprise a second pulley, said secondpulley having a first sheave receiving said third cable and a secondsheave receiving said fourth cable.
 5. The actuator of claim 1, saidcolumn defining a first track and a second track parallel to and spacedfrom said first track, said first drive block slidingly received in saidfirst track and said second drive block slidingly received in saidsecond track, said first track, said second track, said first driveblock, and said second drive block configured to permit said first driveblock to slide past said second drive block without colliding with saidsecond drive block.
 6. The actuator of claim 1, said column defining anelongated mounting flange configured for attachment to said wall of saidstructure.
 7. The actuator of claim 6, said column further defining alocating rib configured for abutment with said wall of said structure.8. The actuator of claim 1, said column defining an elongatedhook-shaped section, said actuator further comprising an elongatedcover, said cover defining an elongated hook-shaped section engagablewith said elongated hook-shaped section of said column and an elongatedflange configured for attachment to said wall of said structure.
 9. Theactuator of claim 1, said endless drive loop further comprising a driveloop length adjuster, said drive loop length adjuster connecting one ofsaid first chain and said second chain to one of said first drive blockand said second drive block.
 10. The actuator of claim 1 furthercomprising a cable tensioner connecting one of said first cable, saidsecond cable, said third cable, and said fourth cable to a correspondingone of said first drive block and said second drive block.
 11. Theactuator of claim 1 in combination with said slide-out compartment, saidsecond end of said first cable attached to said upper portion of saidoutboard end of said slide-out compartment, said second end of saidsecond cable attached to said upper portion of said inboard end of saidslide-out compartment, said second end of said third cable attached tosaid lower portion of said inboard end of said slide-out compartment,and said second end of said fourth cable attached to said lower portionof said outboard end of said slide-out compartment.
 12. The combinationof claim 11, wherein operation of said bi-directional motor in a firstdirection of rotation results in translation of said first drive block,said first end of said first cable, and said first end of said thirdcable in a first direction, translation of said second end of said firstcable and said second end of said third cable in a second direction,translation of said second drive block, said first end of said secondcable, and said first end of said fourth cable in a third directiongenerally opposite said first direction, and translation of said secondend of said second cable and said second end of said fourth cable insaid second direction; and wherein operation of said bi-directionalmotor in a second direction of rotation results in translation of saidfirst drive block, said first end of said first cable, and said firstend of said third cable in said third direction, translation of saidsecond end of said first cable and said second end of said third cablein a fourth direction, translation of said second drive block, saidfirst end of said second cable, and said first end of said fourth cablein said first direction, and translation of said second end of saidsecond cable and said second end of said fourth cable in said fourthdirection.
 13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said second directionis generally perpendicular to said first direction and said fourthdirection is generally perpendicular to said third direction.
 14. Thecombination of claim 13 wherein said second direction is generallyopposite said fourth direction.
 15. The combination of claim 11 incombination with the structure, wherein operation of said bi-directionalmotor in said first direction of rotation results in translation of saidslide-out compartment in an outboard direction with respect to saidstructure and wherein operation of said bi-directional motor in saidsecond direction of rotation results in translation of said slide-outcompartment in an inboard direction with respect to said structure. 16.The combination of claim 15, said column defining an elongated mountingflange attached to said wall of said structure.
 17. The combination ofclaim 16, the column further defining an elongated locating rib inabutment with said wall of said structure.
 18. The combination of claim16 further comprising an elongated cover defining an elongatedhook-shaped section and an elongated flange, said column furtherdefining an elongated hook-shaped section, said hook-shaped section ofsaid cover engaged with said hook-shaped section of said column, saidflange of said cover attached to said wall of said structure.